The 'Attack of the Block' director is reportedly film studio Paramount's top choice to replace J.J. Abrams at the helm of the upcoming sci-fi blockbuster, which will commence shooting in the summer of 2014.

According to Deadline, the British filmmaker has won praise for his previous film, which centres on a group of youths who protect their neighbourhood from an alien invasion.

Cornish also co-wrote Steven Spielberg's movie 'The Adventures of Tin-Tin' and is currently working with Edgar Wright on a script for Marvel superhero movie 'Ant-Man', which is due for release in 2015.

Abrams, who helmed 2009's 'Star Trek' reboot as well as its hit 2013 sequel 'Star Trek Into Darkness', left the franchise after signing up to direct the highly anticipated seventh 'Star Wars' film for Disney.

The director confirmed he will remain on board as a producer, but plans to pass on the directing torch.

He said: ''Whomever it is that directs the film will be someone we all know is going to keep the cast and crew in good hands. I feel very lucky to have been part of it, and it definitely feels like the right time to let someone come in and do their own thing.''